Fear of Missing Out on Gender Affirming Care, Anxiety & Dread!
Dr. Z breaks down how FOMO (fear of missing out) breeds tremendous anxiety around gender-affirming surgery and affects your decision-making. FOMO is especially prevalent now as gender-affirming care becomes increasingly restricted. When something essential to your psychological and physical well-being becomes inaccessible, it inevitably breeds internal anxiety—manifesting as fear you'll miss out on something crucial to your livelihood.
This happens in two ways: witnessing restrictions and bans on care, and seeing other trans people who have access to resources, excellent insurance, or live in liberal states, hitting their personal milestones while you can't. This creates existential anxiety, despair, and feelings of hopelessness.
Dr. Z addresses two groups: those who know they need gender-affirming surgeries and are stuck waiting, and those still exploring their identity who aren't sure yet but feel pressured to rush. For the first group, focus on integration work and other life areas while waiting. For the second group, especially—if you're not sure, sit it out. Don't rush into major surgery because you're afraid of missing out. Gender-affirming surgery is a big life shift requiring inner understanding that it's what you need.
Watch to learn how to navigate FOMO without sinking into despair or making rushed decisions.
